Freshmen year had gone by fast for Blaine Anderson, a little too fast. It was not something he was accustomed to. He was used to ungodly, early mornings listening to the droning of a teacher, followed by the consistent picking from his mother. His father kept to himself, as usual, which of course didn't help make time in the day speed up. Dalton Academy was something entirely different from what he was expecting. Dormitory life was the best thing Blaine could ask for. He and Jeff became close friends practically overnight, along with his suite-mates Trent and Brandon. There was a sense of comfort amongst the four boys; they shared interests, secrets, and weren't strangers to joining in the traditional Weekend-Nerf War-Battalion that had been a dorm tradition as long as anyone could remember to keep the sanity after homework and studying. Even better was the fact that the boys, sans Brandon, had all auditioned for—and successfully joined—the Warblers. They were now, in some sort of way, like a group of brothers where they could always find support, a needed laugh, and just a friend.

Blaine expected the summers to go by just as tediously as ever before, but now with friends he could connect with he found himself being invited over to join in on pool parties, vacations, or just hanging out to play Halo or whatever came up. The best part about these frequent invites from friends was the lack of interaction with his mother; however, one could only go so long until your mother asks why you don't invite people over your own house. It makes us look bad, like we don't attempt an effort to welcome company. Honestly, Blaine, everyone will think we are barbaric hermits or something of the sort. That was her excuse, and he had no choice but to comply. He invited some of the Warblers over to spend the night one weekend in July and all day it was, mom we're just gonna stay in the game room, as well as, we'll just order pizza this isn't a dinner party, and finally, okay, if you really want to make cookies that's fine.

It wasn't 5 minutes after his friends showed up, re-introduced themselves to the Andersons, and was directed to the game room by the help when his mother had to start.

"Oh, dear, why didn't you invite the Dawson boy," she asked, craning her neck to watch the line of boys disappear around a corner. It took everything in him to release a bellowing sigh at her premature questioning session before everyone even got settled in. Instead, he forced in a gentle breath and released it as calmly as he

"Because, I don't know him at all, mother. We had one class the beginning of the year and we sat on opposite sides of the room"

"His family is several generations of lawyers, sweetheart. It's a wonderful networking possibility that you have to consider. Perhaps you can intern at one of his father's firms. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"I'll consider it, mother, thank you," and he did consider it however long it took from him to turn away and walk around the corner. The odds weren't exactly in her favor.

Gloria Anderson hadn't personally been around teenage boys enough to know how they behaved; however, considering the backgrounds of the boys her son invited over, she expected something a bit more, well, kempt. She ensured Blaine that throwing a wonderful dinner party for his friends would be just the ticket to promise a good word to the boys' parents. She wanted her name tossed around as being a wonderful, conventional mother with second-to-none hospitality. She wanted to talk to people, and know people, and be invited by people, and become one of them. She wanted a positive, first-class label. Blaine had turned down her previous suggestions, but there was always chance for future arrangements. Maybe this way they could be more comfortable and more likely to return once again for a much more mature gathering. That didn't stop her from trying now.

Every so often she'd visit the room her son and his friends practically hid themselves away in. She ensured that the door was just cracked enough for there not to be complete privacy because who would allow their child to return to a house where there was complete lack of supervision and no care from the parents. She wanted a reputable name, not to be told off as an insensible mother. She was hoping they would be discussing future goals, current achievements, or even giving contact information so Blaine can be assured a decent internship opportunity. Honestly, she didn't understand why Blaine didn't invite the Dawson boy. Perhaps her son just needed to get to know him. You need to spend time with someone until you really decide your true feelings about them, after all. And she was sure that number was somewhere in her contact book.

Gloria made her way towards the kitchen and removed her book from a drawer from the island counter. She hummed a tune to herself as a proud smile crept onto her face. Why hadn't she thought of this sooner? She had just found the number and moved towards the phone when her husband rounded the corner. Ignoring his appearance, she held the book open with one hand and retrieved her cordless with the other. She thumbed the "TALK" button to receive a dial-tone before punching in the numbers. She hadn't gotten past the area code when Neil spoke up.

"Gloria, it's 10pm, who on earth are you calling now?"

"I was just seeing if the Dawson boy wanted to come to Blaine's party. I mean, it's silly not to, considering his family after all," she stated matter-of-factly, waving the receiver in her hand to emphasize his apparently 'obliviousness.'

"Gloria, put the phone down," he sighed, tired.

"Don't be ridiculous, it's a wonderful id-"

"Gloria, hang up the phone."

"It'll be fine."

"GLORIA," Neil bellowed, catching Gloria off guard as he grabbed for the phone. He positioned it back onto the charger and glanced down the hallway where the boys were hopefully still enjoying their night. "Gloria," he continued on a quieter note, "don't ruin this for him. This is the first time he has invited friends over in years on his own accord. This is his night, just let him be."

"I just want what's best for my son, Neil. Perhaps you don't care about his future, but I do," she hissed, emphasizing the last two points while poking his chest with an index finger.

"Don't you dare tell me that I don't care about my son. I just want him to go through life happy because of the choices he made for himself, not by following the expectations set by others." They stood at a stalemate, not wanting to continue arguing but not wanting to let the other win all the same. After a minute or two of uncomfortable silence, Neil shook his head and turned his back towards his wife. "I'm going to bed. Don't do anything stupid."

Gloria glanced to the phone and then again back to the fading silhouette of her husband. Perhaps this once she'll let it go, but next time it will be her say. She walked past the game room once again, noting they had finished their little impromptu singing session she had left earlier. Why they waste their time with singing, she'll never understand. By standing just along the opposite side of the door, she could just make out the conversations on the other side.

"Your mom wanted you to invite Bradley? Seriously?"

"She said it would be 'good networking,' Blaine laughed. Laughed! She thought it was a sensible idea.

"Did you tell her that he got expelled the last week of the school year for bringing hard drugs into the dorm?" Gloria practically had to stifle a gasp at the slander, how do they think they have the right to spread such rumors. The family had gone on a cruise and gathered their son early from school to meet reservations. Everyone knew that.

"No, I didn't. She wouldn't believe me anyway. She was all 'think of your future, Blaine,' and I don't think it would have sunk in- Hey could you throw me a Coke?" How would he think she wouldn't believe him? She's his mother. And he better not get any of that on the carpet.

"They even tried to cover up with a stupid cruise, got the whole club in on it. My parents know better; my uncle's a police chief and was the one that led him out of the dorm. Anyone who thinks otherwise is just really frigin stupid. Also, he's an absolute douchebag."

Well, shit.